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APA Reiterates Its Strong Opposition to Ban of Transgender Americans from Serving in U.S. Military

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today reiterated its strong opposition to a ban of transgender Americans from the U.S. military, first announced by President Trump in July of last year and brought to the forefront today with the release of a White House memo announcing that transgender individuals are disqualified from military services except under limited circumstances.

“The APA stands firmly against discrimination against anyone, and this ban is a discriminatory action,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. “This ban not only harms those who have chosen to serve our country, but it also casts a pall over all transgender Americans. This discrimination has a negative impact on the mental health of those targeted.”

The APA in 2012 passed a policy statement that opposed discrimination against transgender people and called for their civil rights to be protected. Transgender people do not have a mental disorder; thus, they suffer no impairment whatsoever in their judgment or ability to work.

“All Americans who meet the strenuous requirements and volunteer to serve in U.S. military should be given the opportunity to do so.” Levin said.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,800 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit www.psychiatry.org.

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